Visa & Stamp Guide
Understand Irish immigration stamps, work rights, and the path to residency
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Typical Work Permit Journey
Stamp 2 (Student)
→Stamp 1G (Graduate)
→Stamp 1 (Work Permit)
→Stamp 4 (Unrestricted)
Most non-EEA immigrants in Ireland start on a student visa (Stamp 2), progress to a graduate visa (Stamp 1G), find employment and get a work permit (Stamp 1), and eventually qualify for unrestricted work (Stamp 4) or long-term residency (Stamp 5).
| Stamp | Work Rights | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp 1 | Full-time work for the named employer only | 1–2 years (renewable) |
| Stamp 1G | Full-time work (any employer, no permit needed) | 1–2 years |
| Stamp 2 | 20 hours/week during term, 40 hours/week during holidays (Jun–Sep, 15 Dec–15 Jan) | Duration of course |
| Stamp 3 | No work permitted | 1 year (renewable) |
| Stamp 4 | Full-time work (any employer, no permit needed) | 1–2 years (renewable) |
| Stamp 4D | Full-time work (any employer, no permit needed) | Tied to primary permit holder |
| Stamp 5 | Full-time work (any employer, no permit needed) | 5 years |
| Stamp 6 | Full-time work (same as Irish citizens) | No expiry |
Detailed Stamp Guide
Moving to Ireland? Useful services
Services that help with the practical side of relocating.
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